Convergence in Policy Outcomes: Social Security Systems in Perspective

In: Journal of public policy, Band 14, Heft 2, S. 147-174

Abstract

The claim that social policies in industrialized countries converge has been criticized by researchers focusing on differences in timing & institutional set up of social security schemes across countries. Here, it is argued that social security arrangements in European as well as Anglo-American countries may gradually become more similar. Using pension politics as the primary example, similar social & political mechanisms at work in different countries are identified that push toward convergence in policy outcomes, despite persistent variation in institutional arrangements. A model is developed aimed at explaining political change while maintaining a connection between the micro & macro level of analysis. 1 Table, 62 References. Adapted from the source document.